PART I: LAKE AND RIVER FISHERIES

1. Background Information

1.1 Fisheries in Malawi

The population of Malawi in 1965 was estimated at 3,911,600 Africans. Total fresh fish production in 1965 was estimated at 20,000 short tons, with a value of £500,000 to the fishermen (value at first sale).

Availability (in fresh fish equivalent) per head and per year was therefore about 10.5 lbs. The corresponding estimate for beef was 2.93 lbs. Surveys have shown the population of Malawi living along the lakes and in other fishing areas eat more fish than do the people in inland markets. In general, it can be said that fish is, and will remain, the principal source of low cost animal protein in the diet of the people of Malawi.

As shown by the data for 1958 (4,900 s.t.) and 1966 (20,800 s.t.) the production trend is steeply upward.

The most important references on the fisheries of Malawi are:

“Report on the Fish and Fisheries of Lake Nyasa”, by C.K. Ricardo Bertram, H.J.H. Bowley and E. Trewavas, 1962

“Report on the Tilapia and Other Fish and Fisheries of Lake Nyasa”, by R.H. Lowe, 1952 - Colonial Office, Fishery Pub. 1(2) HMSO.

“Report on the Survey of Northern Lake Nyasa, 1954–1955, by the Joint Fisheries Research Organisation”, by P.B.N. Jackson, T.D. Iles, D. Harding and G. Fryer

FAO/EPTA Report No. 1761 “Fisheries Development Possibilities in Nyasaland”, based on the work of M. Aref, W. Steen and G.R. Valran, 1963

Useful sources on the lake fisheries are:

• for Lake Malawi: L. van Meel in Fascicule 1 of Volume IV: “Le Phytoplancton”, in “Exploration Hydrobiologique du Lac Tanganika” (1946–47)

• for Lake Chilwa: M.S. Garson in “The Geology of the Lake Chilwa Area”, 1960

Sources on fish marketing are:

“Report on an Economic Survey of Nyasaland, 1958–59”, by D.T. Jack

“Proposals for an Economic Development Plan for Nyasaland, 1963” by K.D.S. Baldwin (UN 64-35160)

1.2 Fishing Areas

The most recent estimates of the dimensions of the lakes of Malawi are:

1.3 Species of Fish

Lake Malawi: A total of 242 species of fish have been identified, the six most important groups exploited commercially are as follows:

The ring net fishing catch is composed mainly of chambo and a few kampango. Utaka are caught chiefly by chilimila nets and usipa, at present, by mosquito nets.

Lake Chilwa:

Lake Malombe: as in Lake Malawi with the exception of usipa. (Tilapia melanopleura is of greater importance than in Lake Malawi.)

1.4 Production of Fish in 1965

The production of fish in 1965, by water body, was estimated as follows:

The estimates for the following bodies of water were based on data collected by the Fisheries Assistants. The work was carried out from the Fort Johnston Office in the same manner as in previous years.

N.B. Until 1965, production statistics were assembled separately for industrial, semi-industrial (formerly known as “commercial fishermen”) and traditional (formerly known as “subsistence fishermen”) fishermen. For 1965 no distinction was made between the production of semi-industrial fishermen and traditional fishermen because the latter started to supply fish to markets, sometimes in as large quantities as the semi-industrial fishermen (who are distinguished from traditional fishermen by virtue of the more advanced equipment and fishing methods which they employ).

2. Organisation of Government Fisheries Services

2.1 The Fisheries Staff as at October 1964:

At the arrival of the expert, the Fisheries Division was part of the Department of Agriculture.

The staffing of the Division was as follows:

2.2 Comments on the Staff Situation

The staff situation in the Fisheries Division had reached a critical state at the time of the expert's arrival in the country.

• The Extension Branch was inadequately staffed;
• There was insufficient coordination between the three branches;
• the equipment at the disposal of the Division was not properly cared for;
• the junior staff in the field were left without supervision from professional officers for too long a time and there was no one to give them on-the-job training, although they had to assume relatively large responsibilities with respect to the collection of data for census and statistics, etc., while in charge of field stations.

Some Fisheries Assistants were posted at points which were located so that it was difficult for them to discharge their duties. For instance, the Fisheries Assistant of the Monkey Bay area was based at Msumbi, just next to Monkey Bay, where there were only about 12 fishermen. At Chembe, in his area, there were about 150 fishermen. The Assistant was visiting Chembe one day each month, while ho stayed at Msumbi for 10 days. On the south west arm of Lake Malawi, some important fishing villages were not visited at all by Fisheries Assistants or other officers of the Division.

As a consequence, the expert and other technical assistance personnel found it difficult to obtain background information on various aspects and to assess the fishery development potential of the water bodies of the country.

2.3 The reorganisation of Services

At the request of the Commissioner for Agriculture, the expert, in collaboration with the Senior Fisheries Officer and the Fisheries Research Officers, drew up a new staffing plan. On 2 March 1965, the services of the Ministry of Natural Resources were reorganised and Fisheries were transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Veterinary Services, with the exception of research and fish culture functions which were left in the Department of Agriculture. Subsequently, the research functions were also transferred to the Department of Veterinary Services and only fish culture extension work was left in the Department of Agriculture. This is justified by the fact that the work carried out in this field is undertaken by the Agricultural Officers. They are instructed to consult the Fisheries Division when important questions, such as the introduction of species into dams or ponds, etc., arise.

2.4 The Present Administrative Structure

In accordance with the policy outlined by the Chief Fisheries Officer, the Fisheries Assistants should receive a handbook containing a job description and forms for monthly reports and, each month also, from the supervising Fish Rangers, instructions for their itinerary and work schedule. Their field work is inspected every two to three weeks by the Fish Rangers.

The Fisheries Assistants send their reports to the Fish Rangers who summarise them in their monthly reports, which are sent to the Fisheries Officers, who summarise their subordinates' reports in their own reports to the Chief Fisheries Officer.

Training:

1 Fisheries Educational Officer
1 Senior Fish Ranger

These two officers are jointly responsible for the Fishermen's Institute and the new Fisheries Assistants' Training School at Mpwepwe.

1 Senior Fisheries Assistant: serves as instructor

2.5 Equipment

From the start of his assignment, the expert stressed that the equipment was insufficient for the conduct of surveys and experimental work. Suggestions to overcome this handicap were made in January 1965 and discussed several times afterwards.

At present, the situation is as follows:

The purchase of three additional launches has been decided upon, viz:

1 launch for the south east arm of Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe, to be allocated to the Fish Ranger, Fort Johnston

1 fishing boat for practical fishing experiments in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe, to be shared by Extension and Research Branches

1 launch for Lake Chilwa, with a small draft more suitable for shallow waters than the M/L Nyangu, which could be used on Lake Malombe.

The purchase of a small draft boat with an outboard engine for the Lower Shire River will complete the equipment program.

As the technical training, under the auspices of the Fishermen's Institute, progresses further it will become possible to introduce other sizes and types of outboard engines as well as inboard engines.

The building of sturdier boats is being contemplated. Instruction in boat building is to be provided through the Fishermen's Institute.

2.6 Housing

The question of providing the staff, principally the Fisheries Assistants, with adequate housing has held the attention of the Department. This was taken into account in drafting the Development Programme. The funds allocated so far under this chapter, however, will not be entirely sufficient to solve the problem.

3. Statistics

3.1 Introductory comments

Accurate census information on fishermen and fishing gear is essential for drafting a development program. At the request of the expert, a census of fishermen and fishing gear was carried out in November 1964. The information obtained in the course of this census can be considered only as approximate.

The method of assembling production data for the African traditional fishermen was described in the monthly Field Report No. 15 of the expert. The problems connected with the collection of fisheries statistics are described in general terms in “Collection of Fisheries Statistics”, Appendix I, to this report.

There are considerable differences in the presentation of production data in the Annual Reports on Fisheries issued by the Government. In some instances, production figures are given in dozens of fish caught; in other instances, weight estimates are given in short tons, but no indication is provided how figures were obtained.

3.2 Suggestions for Improvement of Statistical Data Collection

The expert proposed that:

1. tables showing monthly and annual fish production (or estimates of production) data be prepared for each of the three types of fisheries, by area.

2. daily landings at the main beaches be recorded, by species, by the Fisheries Assistants to help in assessing marketing possibilities (this was already being done for the preparation of the periodic summaries but the data were not collected on a weight basis).

3. statistics on quantities and values of fish sold in fresh, salted, dried or smoked form be assembled.

It was agreed that production statistics were to be recorded on a weight basis and also by numbers of fish when the latter was possible and useful. As a result, it would be possible to establish length-weight relationships for the most important species which was important for management purposes.

For the most important water bodies, data on the following were to be collected:

The expert suggested that distinction between industrial, semi-industrial and traditional fishermen be made in future data gathering activities but that production data for all three groups be recorded in the same manner. This would facilitate the office work and enhance the usefulness of the data.

The Fisheries Division appreciates the need for collection of more reliable data, and is beginning to institute the above improvements in the collection of production, and fisherman and gear statistics.

To facilitate the assembly of data on fishing craft it is desirable that the licensing system, which was at one time in force, be reintroduced. Licensing would also help in the institution of management controls, since a limitation of fishing effort could be effected by not issuing new licences for a certain time.

4. Legislation

4.1 Fishing Legislation

The expert believes that increases in fish production could be achieved by better management. A study of the legislation file of the former Agriculture and Fisheries Department shows that this view is shared by fisheries administrators in the Government service.

Important recommendations in regard to management controls made by Dr. E. Trewavas in 1942 and by R.H. Lowe in 1948 on the basis of their respective surveys have not received adequate consideration. Chapter 139 “Fisheries” in the “Laws of Malawi” is of a general nature. In the opinion of the expert, the Ordinance and the Rules for Fisheries have important weaknesses:

• Sections of the Ordinance and Rules overlap. The Ordinance is too lengthy and contains matters which should be incorporated in the Rules, which can easily be changed, when necessary, by the Minister for Natural Resources.

• The Ordinance and the Rules are no longer appropriate in relation to prevailing conditions. They do not provide adequate protection for the fish stock. The only protection measure at present enforces is a closed season in the ring-net fishery. The tilapia are not adequately protected during the two months of the year when this fishery is prohibited, since the fishermen are able to catch the fish with gill nets and shore seine nets.

• No regulations in regard to closed areas are enforced. Neither are there regulations relating to minimum size of net meshes (except for the ring-nets and gill nets of the three industrial fishing firms operating on Lake Malawi), nor are there any provisions prohibiting catches of immature fishes.

4.2 Proposals for Strengthening Control Measures

At the request of the Ministry, the expert prepared a draft text of basic (Ordinance) and subsidiary (Rules) legislation. The work was carried out in collaboration with the Senior Fisheries Officer and Fisheries Research Officers, and the drafts reviewed at FAO Headquarters.

The expert's original draft proposal is reproduced as Appendix II.

The expert proposes that the following clause be inserted in the original text:

Rule 27(*): “Swamps and lands flooded as the result of a rising of the lakes and rivers are considered as spawning areas and therefore defined as prohibited areas.”

At present, the Fisheries Division is drafting regulations relating to mesh sizes of nets in use in various parts of the country. This is a first step in the improvement of fisheries management. There is substantial agreement that because of the differences in local conditions, Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe, Lake Chilwa and the Shire River have to be considered separately in drafting regulations.

Regulations relating to fishing and export of fish for aquaria are also being considered. This business has had a promising start (there are beautiful specimens of small-sized fishes in Lake Malawi).

4.3 Legislation Relating to Fish Marketing

At present, there are no provisions in the Trade and Industry Laws relating to the control of quality of fish put up for sale in the market.

The salted-dried fish processed by the industrial fishermen appears to be of bad quality. Dried and smoked fish processed by African traders is also of poor quality. Improvements may be effected by the introduction of new equipment and methods.

The physical facilities in fish markets should be improved in the interest of hygiene, more efficient handling and better organisation. The expert made suggestions along these lines in a “Note Relating to Fisheries Activities in Malawi”, dated 4 November 1965 (attached to his Field Report No. 13 of 2 December 1965). Quality standards should be defined and quality controls set up.

4.4 Recommendations

Since the fisheries field staff has increased and provisions for the training of junior personnel have been made it has become possible:

• to instruct the fishermen not only in technical matters but also to educate them in regard to their duties towards the community. They must become familiar with the provisions of the fisheries law and be persuaded to observe the rules. As suggested by the expert, the radio and press can help in these educational efforts;

• to further improve the regulations in regard to fisheries management;

• to take steps to protect those people who process fish properly and put products of good quality on the market against the competition from those who try to market fish of bad quality.

(*) The Rules following Rule 27 would change their number if the expert's proposal is accepted.

5. Marketing

5.1 Present Market Conditions

In his “Note Relating to Fisheries Activities in Malawi” of 11 November 1965, attached to his Field Report No. 13, the expert gave a description of fish marketing conditions in Malawi, and in a “Report on Possibilities of Establishing a Fish Marketing Organisation in Malawi”, 15 February 1966, attached to his Field Report No. 16, he summarised the findings of the marketing surveys carried out on his suggestion.

The expert came to the following conclusions:

1. Although Malawi fish production is not sufficient to cover the existing animal protein gap in the diet of the population, fish is the most important single source of animal protein intake.

2. With the exception of the relatively small quantities of canned sardines, salmon, and other varieties consumed mostly by the Europeans, practically no fish is being imported into the country.

3. Exports of fishery products for the years 1958–65 are shown in the following table. They were destined chiefly for Rhodesia. Up to 1957, the export of fish was prohibited.

NB. Since 1961 fresh fish weight equivalent is calculated by multiplying the weight of smoked fish by 3, and the weight of salted fish by 2.

The weight of dried and smoked fish is influenced by two factors, viz:

• the processing method - there are differences in regard to the degree (length of time) to which the product is dried or smoked;

• hygrometric conditions. The fish absorbs the humidity of the air in the rainy season but remains more or less without change in the dry season, if it is protected from the humidity during the night.

Fish prices vary a great deal in the fish markets because selling procedures are not uniform. Fish of large and average size (15 cm and up) are sold by piece; fish of 15 cm and less are sold as 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 pieces together; small sizes (or usipa, matemba, small immature fishes) are sold in heaps which differ in price and, for the same price, in size and weight.

4. Fresh fish prices, it has been observed, are reduced in the course of the day. The reduction, however, is made only for a relatively small quantity of fish at the end of the day.

5. A considerable improvement in market operations could be effected by selling fish on a weight basis as is done in the case of meat. This should apply to transactions between fishermen and traders as well as to those between traders and consumers.

6. The fishermen complain that they are not able to fish regularly throughout the year because only a few traders come to the landing points to buy catches during the rainy season when the roads are in bad condition. Recently, the road from Monkey Bay to Fort Johnston and Zomba has been considerably improved so that it may be considered as an all-weather road although the work has not yet entirely been finished.

7. The quality of smoked, salted or dried fish is, in general, not very satisfactory.

8. Marketing operations are irregular and facilities are inadequate.

9. A fishermen's cooperative which was operating on Lake Malawi failed a few years ago. This failure makes it difficult to launch another venture of this type and the Government does not intend to promote cooperatives for some time to come.

The expert proposes that a licensing system for fish traders be set up, as a first step in a fish marketing improvement programme. The Fisheries Division is at present beginning to reorganise marketing activities, proceeding as follows:

1. Market Centres on the principal fishing beaches of Lake Malawi and on Lake Malombe (as suggested by the expert in the Appendix to his Field Report No.7 of 2 April 1965) are being established.

2. Smoke-kilns for fish traders at points where such operations appear to have the best prospects are being set up, in line with plans drawn under the 1965–69 Development Programme.

5.2 The Malawi Development Corporation

The Malawi Development Corporation is a statutory body which was established by act of Parliament. Both the trade and the Government are represented on its Board.

The range of the Corporation's activities is very wide and covers all projects designed to promote development in the country: cattle raising, cold storage, manufacturing industries, tourism, etc.

When, in September 1964, the Malachias ring-net fishing enterprise discontinued operations, the Senior Fisheries Officer recommended to the Ministry that the Malawi Development Corporation extend its activities to fishing. The expert was asked to comment and advise on the character and scope of a fisheries project to be organised under the auspices of the Malawi Development Corporation.

After consultation with FAO Headquarters, the expert expressed the view that the Malawi Development Corporation should take over the Malachias licence and begin fishing operations with equipment similar to that which had been used by Malachias but of better quality. The fishing equipment of the Malachias enterprise was in poor condition. The processing equipment was badly damaged by floods and was obsolete.

The expert proposed that experimental fishing be undertaken in the south west arm of Lake Malawi and in the Salima area. If results were encouraging, the use of boats to transport ice and fresh fish between the land and the fishing boats was considered possible. An insulated wooden boat of the type used by the Lake Mweru fishermen was thought to be suitable for the purpose. These boats - under conditions prevailing at Lake Mweru - were able to keep fresh fish in good condition for one week and even longer.

A beach at Michesi, just north of Mtimbuka, was chosen as base and an allocation of land obtained with the help of the Government Agent (after another suggested beach north of the Fishermen's Institute had been rejected as unsuitable).

It was decided then that the operations of the Malawi Development Corporation would include the following:

• fishing with a ring-net and gill-nets

• purchasing fish from the fishermen on a year round basis. With the assurance that all the fish they catch will be bought, the fishermen, it was thought, would be encouraged to intensify their fishing activities.

• processing fish under hygienic conditions

• transporting and distributing in the main markets of the country where storage facilities were already available, and developing further storage facilities as required

• fixing prices that would tend to ensure the fishermen a higher standard of living and give consumers an opportunity to buy fish of good qualify as cheaply as possible -

At present, facilities at the Michesi base are being constructed under the supervision of an experienced manager. The Malawi Development Corporation has ordered modern equipment which will enable it to put fisheries products of excellent quality on the market. Its activities will, it can be assumed, have an impact on other firms which will have to improve their methods of processing to meet the competition.

On the basis of available statistics relating to fish production and the findings of the hydrobiologists who have investigated Lake Malawi in the past, and three licence-holders for ring-not operations, the Malawi Development Corporation and two other industrial fisheries enterprises, could be expected to produce about one thousand tons of fish a year each. Production of tilapia in the southern part of Lake Malawi, furthermore may be increased through improved resource management. As a result, a certain surplus of tilapia for export marketing in fillet form may eventually become available.

Another aspect of the Malawi Development Corporation's fishing scheme is that with the provision of better transport conditions and cold storage, fish supplies will become more regular which will tend to stimulate consumption.

5.3 Proposed Creation of a Pilot Centre at Chemba, Lake Malawi, for the Improvement of African Fisheries

On 16 May 1966, the expert submitted a note to the Ministry of Natural Resources on the creation of a pilot centre to improve fishing and marketing conditions at Chembe, one of, if not the, most important fishing beaches on Lake Malawi. A copy of this note is reproduced as Appendix III.

Further investigation of this, from a cost and benefits standpoint, as well as of the proposed Likoma project as referred to under 5.4 is necessary.

5.4 Likoma and Chisumulu Islands Scheme

The Regional Officer of OXFAM in London has enquired with the Ministry of Natural Resources on the possibilities of developing fisheries from these islands.

In a note, attached to his Field Report No.9 of 2 July 1965, the expert expressed the view that additional research was necessary before any conclusions were possible, since information on these fisheries was not sufficient to proceed with the organisation of a development scheme. From a short survey carried out in September 1965, it appeared that further efforts to explore prospects for fisheries expansion are justified.

5.5 Fish Meal

Although there is an unsatisfied demand for fish meal in the country, there are several reasons for not promoting development of a reduction industry, among them the scattered character of fishing operations (with consequent lack of adequate raw material supplies at potential bases) and the fact that markets for human consumption are large enough to absorb available supplies and that surpluses for processing into meal, therefore, are not available.

5.6 Recommendations

Marketing conditions can be improved, provided the following measures are taken:

1. Institution of a licensing system for fish traders so that distribution can be controlled and improved. If the licencees are asked to submit monthly records of fish sales (with an indication of the origin of the fish they put on the market), it would be possible to improve the statistics on fish deliveries to markets.

   Fish trader licences should be issued against payment of fees bearing some relation to anticipated profits. The fee should be sufficiently high to guard against an overcrowding of the field (at present, a very large number of small fish traders who, in economic terms, are “under-employed”, attempt to scrape out a living from this trade).

2. Creation of fish selling centres at strategic points along the shores of Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe to encourage improved fish handling and processing. These centres should tend to attract the fishermen from the small fishing camps. As a consequence, the volume of catches could be expected to expand and supplies become more regular; at the same time also, collection of statistics would be made easier.

   The facilities required for such centres include an area with a concrete base as well as shelter for the use of the fishermen, smoke-kilns and stores. The centres must be accessible by all-weather roads in reasonably good condition.

3. Introduction of selling on a weight basis at the fishing beaches and markets.

4. Standardisation of the baskets used in the transportation of fish, and a reduction in the number of their sizes to facilitate the collection and checking of statistical information. It may also be possible to persuade the traders to pack each species of fish in different baskets.

5. Institution of improvements in fish processing, to be promoted with the help of the Malawi Development Corporation.

6. Introduction of regulations on the quality of fish as well as of definitions of standards.

7. Improvement of fish market facilities in the main markets of Malawi and provision of scales for weighing.

6. Research

6.1 Background

Appendix IV, “Considerations Relating to Fisheries Research in Malawi”, a note prepared by the expert for the Chief Fisheries Officer, and Appendix V “Present Knowledge of the Biological Background of Fisheries in Malawi”, and “On Research Projects which could profitably be undertaken in Malawi”, expressing the views of the Senior Fisheries Research Officer, summarise the more important points relating to the organisation and conduct of fisheries research work in the country.

The work outline prepared by the Senior Fisheries Research Officer was approved by the Chief Fisheries Officer. Special equipment and staff for a Fisheries Research Institute (comparable to the one established at Lake Kariba), which must be established to provide the research findings necessary for the rational management of the country's fishery resources, must be made available and the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme might be sought in this connection.

The assessment of the biological potential of the lakes is at the very foundation of any major development activities.

6.2 Some Specific Suggestions on Research

1. Predator control: on the suggestion of the expert, the Research Station is undertaking work which seeks to ascertain whether a reduction of the population of cormorants should be considered in the interest of safeguarding fish stocks.

2. Introduction of ndagala: if usipa fishing remains unsatisfactory, the possibilities of introducing ndagala from Lake Tanganyika into lake Malawi should be considered. Experimental work with various types of equipment, however, should be carried out before any step in this direction is taken. If results are favourable, consideration might also be given to the introduction of Lates and Luciolates.

3. In the conduct of a research programme the ultimate purpose of all management activities should be kept in mind: to supply the population with as much fish as possible and to maintain a healthy fishing industry.

4. Identification of the main species of tilapia: “Four species of tilapia, T. squamipinnis, T. lidole, T. saka and T. karongae, form a complex of closely allied species which are extremely difficult to separate, although they are ecologically distinct and show different breeding patterns.” (Note of the Senior Fisheries Research Officer.)

   As these species of tilapia are the basis of the fisheries in Lake Malawi, it is most desirable that ecological work on them be continued. This work can be carried out in ponds or, better still, in tanks. The Fisheries Division may be expected to cope with this problem without difficulty if a modest allocation of funds for this purpose is made.

7. Re-afforestation

7.1 Present Situation

The land adjacent to Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe and Lake Chilwa, are seriously deforested (in the case of Lake Chilwa, completely de-forested). Fifteen-year old maps of the Monkey Bay peninsula and the area along the south east arm of Lake Malawi indicate that these areas at one time were “thickly wooded”. At present, people processing fish along the southern shore of Lake Chilwa have to buy wood which comes from the Mlanje area. Along the shores of Lake Malombe and Lake Malawi the nuts of the hyphaene palm are used for smoking fish. It can be expected that there will be a shortage of these nuts in the near future if the trees continue to be destroyed at the present rate.

In order to assure a future supply of wood for boat-building and for fuel for fish processing, the expert suggested that a re-afforestation programme be drawn up. In the areas adjacent to Lake Chilwa, Lake Malombe and the south of Lake Malawi, species like Gmelina may be planted. In some very dry and sandy areas, such as on Likoma Island, Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) may be suitable since it requires very little moisture, is good for the reclamation of drift sands, and constitutes good firewood. The flowers and fruit are also important for agriculture and cattle raising.

A budget to cover the installation of tree nurseries, their maintenance and the planting of the trees is needed for the implementation of a programme of this sort.

7.2 Recommendation

The Fisheries Division, with the collaboration of the Forestry Department, should draw up a re-afforestation programme once adequate finance is allocated. The Forestry Department would make available seeds of suitable trees and supervise the management of nurseries and the tree planting.

The Fisheries Development Adviser recommends that a project along these lines be included in the next Development Programme.

8. The Fishermen's Institute

8.1 Background

Construction of the Institute began in the middle of 1964. The building was completed in August 1965, at a cost of approximately £35,000 which had been donated by the people of Aberdeen (Scotland) in the form of a contribution to the Freedom from Hunger Campaign. The building is of good quality and suitable design.

The main purpose of the Institute is to train fishermen and to introduce new techniques of fishing, boat-building, boat repair, engine maintenance, etc.

8.2 Curriculum

At present, a Senior Fish Ranger is in charge of running the Institute; he reports direct to the Chief Fisheries Officer. He and his assistants teach two courses using teaching material made available by FAO, at the request of the expert. Provision is made for guest lectures by professional officers of the Division and other people with specialised knowledge of fisheries.

The curriculum of the two basic courses is as follows:

Course A: intended for semi-industrial fishermen, or prospective semi-industrial fishermen, who are able to read and write, is conducted in English, lasts two months, and covers the following subjects: general knowledge relating to fishery (economic importance of fish, fisheries management, legislation, etc.), fishery biology, fishing methods and gear, fish processing, business management, book-keeping, seamanship.

Course B: intended for traditional fishermen, literacy not being a requirement, is conducted in Nyana, and lasts four weeks. The course covers the following subjects: description and functions of the Fisheries Department, fisheries regulations, fishery biology, fishing methods and gear, fish processing, seamanship.

So far four courses have been given, as follows:

8.3 Training Courses for Fisheries Assistants

In order to provide adequate field staff for the Fisheries Division, the Malawi Government has considered the possibility of setting up a Fisheries Assistants' Training School adjacent to the Fishermen's Institute.

In the past, Fisheries Assistants, for the most part, were trained on the job by Fisheries Officers or Fish Rangers. The level of training provided was low. However, as a result of the practical experience they have gained, a number of the Assistants could benefit from attendance at a formal training course and, as a consequence, the standards of performance could then be raised. Outstanding Fisheries Assistants could rise to Fish Ranger level or even higher. This would require, however, that a second Institute which would provide training for nationals from all English language countries of Africa be established, since individual countries could not afford the expense connected with the operation of such schools.

Additional facilities needed for the training of Fisheries Assistants would comprise: new quarters, a separate classroom with an adjacent room equipped with sinks and running water for basic biological work on fish; recreation room with library and a refectory with kitchen are also necessary. Such facilities as workshops for mechanical training, water tanks for testing and demonstrating outboard engines, net stores, smoking houses, boat building sheds, etc. can be shared with the fishermen students of the Institute. It should not be difficult to attach the additional facilities to the Institute since sufficient space is available.

The number of Fisheries Assistants needed by the Fisheries Division, as already pointed out, is about fifty. This has to be considered in connection with the establishment of further training facilities for Fisheries Assistants.

8.4 Recommendation

For Fisheries Assistants posts, people with a fishing background should be recruited. Preference should be given to such candidates over others who may have a better scholastic background but who may be less able to carry out the required field work.

9. The Fisheries Development Programme

9.1 The Fisheries Development Programme for 1965–69

The Development Programme for Fisheries is part of the Development Programme of the Ministry of Natural Resources drawn up in 1964 for the 1965–69 period. The main objectives, which apply also to fisheries, of the Ministry's programme are to:

• increase production in the most economic way

• conduct research to facilitate the attainment of development targets

• promote conservation measures

• train staff

• improve conditions in the rural settlements

The amounts voted for fisheries were as follows:

(*) Refundable from Freedom from Hunger Campaign contributions
(**) Refundable from Freedom from Hunger Campaign contributions for the first 3 years of operation

Subsequently, the total vote was adjusted to £192,240. The detailed breakdown by project was as follows:

The Fisheries Division has been very short of staff since about 1960. At present there are still vacancies for one research officer, two fisheries officers and one fish ranger but implementation of the development programme will go far towards a solution of the staff problem.

Among the most important accomplishments to date are the improvement of the jetty at Kachulu, the improvement or building of feeder roads to important fishing beaches, and the introduction of suitable smoking kilns.

9.2 Suggestions

In implementing the fisheries development programme for 1965–69 and beyond, a high priority should be given to the following projects:

1. Road Improvement

   1. from Malembo Mission to the Fort Johnston/Monkey Bay road: 15 miles
   2. from Cape Maclear to the Fort Johnston/Monkey Bay road: 10 miles
   3. from Chembe to the Cape Maclear/Monkey Bay road: 2 miles
   4. from Mtundu (Shire River Bank) to the Fort Johnston/Liwonde road: 2 miles
   5. from Mwera (at the southern end of Lake Malombe) to Kalembo (on the Fort Johnston/Liwonde road): 8 miles
   6. from Fort Johnston/Monkey Bay road to the following beaches (feeder roads);
      • to Chipoka: 1 mile
      • to Mwanyama: 1 mile
      • to Matewere: 1 mile; here, at the road end, it is necessary to build an embankment through a swamp which is at the most 300 yards long.
   7. from Salima to Domira Bay: 10 miles

   The total cost of improving the above roads to a reasonable all-season standard would be about£60,000, an amount considerably in excess of the 1965–69 budget allocation.

   As already pointed out by the Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, it is very important to improve these roads because there is no point in encouraging the fishermen to catch more fish if there are no means of transporting it to markets during the rainy season.

2. Introduction of smoking kilns along the lake shore, where necessary, in order to improve the quality of processed fish and to avoid wastage.

3. Improvement of fish market facilities in Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe, as suggested by the expert in “Notes relating to Fisheries Activities in Malawi” attached to his Field Report No. 13 of 2.11.65

4. Financing of a re-afforestation programme in certain areas adjacent to Lake Chilwa, Lake Malombe and the southern part of Lake Malawi.

5. Expansion of usipa fishing if the experimental fishing shows satisfactory results. The expert suggests trials with chilimila nets operated from three canoes, as well as trials with a lift-net operated from a catamaran.

6. Introduction of other fishing equipment which has been demonstrated to make possible an increase in production with detrimental consequences on stock conditions. Trials with trammel-nets have recently been initiated; the results obtained to date, however, have not been conclusive.

7. Increased use of radio, newspapers and pamphlets to inform and educate consumers as well as fishermen and other people employed in the fisheries industry.

10. Summary of Recommendations

The expert wishes to stress that, under prevailing conditions, he considers it highly desirable to have a large degree of flexibility in target setting and programme implementation.

The key role of carrying out staff expansion and training plans must also be stressed.

Research

The expert attaches a great deal of importance to the establishment of a Fisheries Research Institute (similar to the Lake Kariba Institute). The Government may want to consider approaching the United Nations Development Programme for assistance in this matter.

Extension

Among the basic tasks that should be undertaken in this sphere are the following:

1. Conduct of a well-organised census of fishermen and fishing gear. A map of fishing villages and camps on a 1:50,000 scale should be produced. The census should be carried out by the Fish Rangers and the Fisheries Assistants working under them. Among other things, information on the movement of fishermen during the fishing seasons, the adequacy of fishing equipment at their disposal, and the cost of canoes should be assembled.

2. The above information will make it possible to choose the villages where the Fisheries Assistants should be based and to determine the geographic radius of their activities.

3. The problem of adequate housing for the Fisheries Assistants must be solved by making an appropriate provision under the Development Programme.

4. The Fisheries Assistants should be provided with a handbook containing a job description, and outlining their detailed responsibilities.

5. Methods for collecting accurate and reliable fish production statistics by weighing catches should be outlined and their adoption promoted. In the industrial fisheries, it will suffice to introduce a few supplementary provisions into the text detailing the firm's obligations in connection with the holding of a licence, requiring them to sort the catches in accordance with the classification of commercial species and to weigh the catches, species by species.

   In the assembly of data for the African fishermen sector, a better sampling method should be used, as outlined in Appendix I to this report. Fish Rangers and Fisheries Assistants should instruct the fishermen in record-keeping for statistical purposes.

6. The objectives of fishery management should be publicised on the radio and in newspaper articles to ensure the collaboration of the fishermen and the public in their attainment.

7. Adequate controls for the protection of fish stocks and for the maintenance of quality standards in marketing should be drawn up and enforced.

8. A licensing system for fish traders should be set up.

9. Fish marketing conditions should be improved in the light of the expert's suggestions in 5.6 and 9.2 above.

11. The Fisheries Division should strive to obtain the collaboration of fishing gear manufacturers or wholesalers to extend the sale of fishing nets, ropes, corks, hooks, etc., to all the small retail stores scattered in the villages along the shores of Lake Malawi. At present, fishermen often have to travel to Fort Johnston and even Blantyre to buy their fishing equipment; they thus waste a considerable amount of fishing time.

12. More seaworthy types of boats should be introduced. The trees used for the building of dug-out canoes have become scarce. To make the best use of boatbuilding timber, construction of more suitable fishing boats should be taught to a number of carpenters. Eventually, it may become possible to build fishing boats of a larger size. The carpenters who are building the plank-boats at present used in the country could be trained by the Fish Ranger, Fort Johnston, who has many years of experience in building wooden boats. The Fishermen's Institute could also help in this field of activity.

13. A licensing system for fishing boats and fishing gear should be set up, not only for revenue purposes but also to ensure improved fisheries management and to obtain a better picture of fishing activities to assist in policy formulation. Also, thefts of nets and other fishing gear would become more difficult if the nets and gear are registered and marked, in connection with the enforcement of a licensing system.

14. The activities of the Mobile Maintenance Unit should be continued and further developed as more sophisticated fishing equipment is introduced.

15. Studies on the technical and economic performance of fishing equipment should be carried out (trials with tramel-nets, night fishing with lamps, etc.).

16. Fisheries Assistants should, as far as possible, be recruited from the fishermen population.

17. The re-afforestation of the areas adjacent to the lakes with the collaboration of the Forestry Department, should be long term objective of the fishery development programme.

18. As soon as the right moment for this has arrived, efforts should be made to establish a Fisheries Advisory Board, with representatives from Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique to ensure rational exploitation of Lake Malawi resources.